U.S. patent application number 16/479290 was filed with the patent office on 2020-04-16 for biometric data synchronization devices.
This patent application is currently assigned to Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.. The applicant listed for this patent is HEWLETT-PACKARD DEVELOPMENT COMPANY, L.P.. Invention is credited to Chung-Chun CHEN, Yi-Kang HSIEH, Ching-Hua LI, Ming-Shien TSAI.
Application Number | 20200120090 16/479290 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 64737183 |
Filed Date | 2020-04-16 |
United States Patent
Application |
20200120090 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
LI; Ching-Hua ; et
al. |
April 16, 2020 |
BIOMETRIC DATA SYNCHRONIZATION DEVICES
Abstract
A computing system may, in an example, include a first computing
device that includes at least one biometric data sensor and a
biometric synchronization module on the first computing device to,
when executed by a processor, synchronize biometric data from the
first computing device to a second computing device in response to
a biometric registration request.
Inventors: |
LI; Ching-Hua; (Taipei City,
TW) ; HSIEH; Yi-Kang; (Taipei City, TW) ;
CHEN; Chung-Chun; (Taipei City, TW) ; TSAI;
Ming-Shien; (Taipei City, TW) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
HEWLETT-PACKARD DEVELOPMENT COMPANY, L.P. |
Spring |
TX |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Hewlett-Packard Development
Company, L.P.
Spring
TX
|
Family ID: |
64737183 |
Appl. No.: |
16/479290 |
Filed: |
June 23, 2017 |
PCT Filed: |
June 23, 2017 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/US2017/039052 |
371 Date: |
July 19, 2019 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06F 21/32 20130101;
G06F 21/335 20130101; H04L 63/0853 20130101; H04L 63/0861 20130101;
G06F 21/45 20130101 |
International
Class: |
H04L 29/06 20060101
H04L029/06; G06F 21/45 20060101 G06F021/45 |
Claims
1. A computing system, comprising: a first computing device
comprising at least one biometric data sensor, and a biometric
synchronization module on the first computing device to, when
executed by a processor, synchronize biometric data from the first
computing device to a second computing device in response to a
biometric registration request.
2. The computing system of claim 1, wherein the first computing
device receives a request to gain access to the second computing
device using biometric data obtained via the biometric data
sensor.
3. The computing system of claim 2, wherein the first computing
device determines whether the first and second computing device
have synchronized biometric data.
4. The computing system of claim 3, wherein the first computing
device sends updated biometric data sensor specific biometric data
to the second computing devices when it is determined that the
first and second computing device do not have synchronized
biometric data.
5. The computing system of claim 4, wherein the first computing
device sends a request for the second computing device to review a
biometric scan initiated at the first computing device, compare the
scan with the updated biometric data from the first computing
device in order to determine whether access to the second computing
device should be granted.
6. The computing system of claim 3, wherein the first computing
device sends an unlock token to the second computing device when is
it determined that the first and second computing device do have
synchronized biometric data and after the first computing device
has determined that a successful biometric scan has been completed
using the biometric data sensor on the first computing device.
7. The computing system of claim 1, wherein the second computing
device does not include a biometric data sensor.
8. The computing system of claim 3, wherein the first computing
device sends a request to enable a voice command detection function
to the second computing device when is it determined that the first
and second computing device do have synchronized biometric data and
after the first computing device has determined that a successful
biometric scan has been completed using the biometric data sensor
on the first computing device.
9. A computing device, comprising: at least one biometric sensor;
and a token generation module to generate, at least, access tokens
to be sent to a receiving computing device after a determination
that biometric data has been synchronized between the computing
device and the receiving computing device.
10. The computing device of claim 9, wherein the access tokens
include: an access token granting access to a voice recognition
function on the receiving computing device; an access token
granting access to back up data from the computing device or
maintained on the receiving computing device; an access token
granting access to a camera device on the receiving computing
device, an access token granting access to executable computer
usable program code maintained on the receiving computing device;
or combinations thereof.
11. The computing device of claim 9, wherein the computing device
further comprises a biometric synchronization module to, when
executed by a processor, synchronize biometric data from the
computing device to the receiving computing device in response to a
biometric registration request.
12. The computing device of claim 9, further comprising a biometric
data database to maintain biometric data for a number of users
authorized to access at least the computing device.
13. A method of synchronizing biometric data, comprising: at a
first computing device, receiving a request to unlock a second
computing device using biometric data; and at the first computing
device, sending a biometric synchronization request to the second
computing device to synchronize biometric data from the first
computing device to the second computing device.
14. The method of synchronizing biometric data of claim 13, further
comprising sending an access token to the second computing device
upon, at least, a determination that the biometric data has been
synchronized between the first and second computing device.
15. The method of synchronizing biometric data of claim 13, further
comprising sending an access token to the second computing device
upon, at least, a request at the first computing device to access
functionality of the second computing device.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] Various types of computing devices exist that implement
various types of security in order to prevent unauthorized access
to data stored thereon or functionality provided by the computing
device. Passwords may be used to gain access to the computing
device with the owner or those authorized to access the computing
device having knowledge of the password information.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0002] The accompanying drawings illustrate various examples of the
principles described herein and are part of the specification. The
illustrated examples are given merely for illustration, and do not
limit the scope of the claims.
[0003] FIG. 1 is a diagram of a computing system according to an
example of the principles described herein.
[0004] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a computing device according to
an example of the principles described herein.
[0005] FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a method of synchronizing
biometric data according to an example of the principles described
herein.
[0006] FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a method of synchronizing
biometric data according to an example of the principles described
herein.
[0007] Throughout the drawings, identical reference numbers
designate similar, but not necessarily identical, elements. The
figures are not necessarily to scale, and the size of some parts
may be exaggerated to more clearly illustrate the example shown.
Moreover, the drawings provide examples and/or implementations
consistent with the description; however, the description is not
limited to the examples and/or implementations provided in the
drawings.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0008] As mentioned above, passwords may be used to gain access to
a computing device by those presented with the password and
actually authorized to gain access to the computing device.
However, passwords have proven difficult in their use due to, in
part, an authorized person forgetting the password. However, the
importance of maintaining data security with regards to sensitive
data such as medical records, bank records and the like has not
decreased. Indeed, with the proliferation of this sensitive data on
computing devices, the importance of protecting this data has
increased.
[0009] To better protect this sensitive data, some computing
devices implement biometric data sensors that detect the biometric
data of a user and deny or provide access to the computing device
based on the sensed biometric data. Examples of these biometric
data sensors include fingerprint sensors, face recognition cameras,
retinal scanners, among others.
[0010] Even though some of these computing devices include these
biometric data sensors, not all computing devices include such
hardware. Indeed, some computing devices may not warrant the use of
biometric data sensors and instead forego their implementation
based on the costs involved with implementing the biometric data
sensors or the physical dimensions of the computing devices
themselves limiting their use.
[0011] The present specification describes a computing system that
includes a first computing device comprising at least one biometric
data sensor and a biometric synchronization module on the first
computing device to, when executed by a processor, synchronize
biometric data from the first computing device to a second
computing device in response to a biometric registration
request.
[0012] The present specification further describes a computing
device that includes at least one biometric sensor and a token
generation module to generate, at least, access tokens to be sent
to a receiving computing device after a determination that
biometric data has been synchronized between the computing device
and the receiving computing device.
[0013] The present specification further describes a method of
synchronizing biometric data that includes at a first computing
device, receiving a request to unlock a second computing device
using biometric data and at the first computing device, sending a
biometric synchronization request to the second computing device to
synchronize biometric data from the first computing device to the
second computing device.
[0014] As used in the present specification and in the appended
claims, the term "biometric data" or "biometric patterns" are meant
to be understood as patterns and data describing the physical
characteristics of a user of a computing device. The biometric data
or biometric patterns are obtained when a user interfaces with a
biometric data sensor.
[0015] Additionally, as used in the present specification and in
the appended claims, the term "a number of" or similar language is
meant to be understood broadly as any positive number comprising 1
to infinity; zero not being a number, but the absence of a
number.
[0016] In the following description, for purposes of explanation,
numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a
thorough understanding of the present systems and methods. It will
be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art that the present
apparatus, systems, and methods may be practiced without these
specific details. Reference in the specification to "an example" or
similar language means that a particular feature, structure, or
characteristic described in connection with that example is
included as described, but may or may not be included in other
examples.
[0017] Turning now to the figures, FIG. 1 is a diagram of a
computing system according to an example of the principles
described herein. The computing system (100) may include a first
computing device (105) and a second computing device (120); the
second computing device (120) being selectively communicatively
coupled to the first computing device (105). The first computing
device (105) and second computing device (120) may be
communicatively coupled to each other via a cable, wireless such as
via a Wi-Fi connection or a Bluetooth connection, near-field
communication, among others. The first computing device (105) and
second computing device (120) may be an electronic device that
includes, at least, a processor. Examples of electronic devices
include servers, desktop computers, laptop computers, personal
digital assistants (PDAs), mobile devices, smartphones, gaming
systems, and tablets, among other electronic devices.
[0018] The first computing device (105) may include any number of
biometric data sensors (110). The biometric data sensors (110) may
be capable of detecting a user's physical characteristics and
comparing those characteristics to a database of characteristics.
Once detected and/or stored, the user's characteristics may be
referred to as biometric data. When the user's scanned
characteristics match those characteristics maintained in the
database, access and/or control of the first computing device (105)
is granted. When the user's scanned characteristics do not match
any characteristics maintained in the database, access and/or
control of the first computing device (105) is not granted.
[0019] User characteristics may include fingerprints, palm veins,
retinal details, facial features, deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA)
sequence, palm print, hand geometry, iris details voice pattern,
gait, odor or scent, among other characteristics. These user
characteristics may be defined herein as biometric data. Thus, the
biometric data sensor (110) may be any sensor that can detect these
user characteristics and compare those characteristics to a
database of characteristics. By way of example, the biometric data
sensor (110) may be a fingerprint scanner, a palm scanner, a
retinal scanner, a facial recognition device, a hand scanner, an
iris scanner, a voice analyzer, a DNA sequencer, a camera or any
other device that can detect the user characteristics described
herein. For simplicity of description, the biometric data sensor
(110) will be referred to as a fingerprint scanner when specific
examples are presented. The use of this example is not meant to be
understood a limiting the present description and, instead, the
present description contemplates any type of biometric data sensor
(110) to detect any type of user characteristic described herein
and store the biometric data describing those user
characteristics.
[0020] The first computing device (105) and second computing device
(120) may each include various hardware components. Among these
hardware components may be a number of processors, a number of data
storage devices, a number of peripheral device adapters, and a
number of network adapters. These hardware components may be
interconnected through the use of a number of busses and/or network
connections. In one example, the processor, data storage device,
peripheral device adapters, and network adapter may be
communicatively coupled via a bus.
[0021] The processor may include the hardware architecture to
retrieve executable code from the data storage device and execute
the executable code. The executable code may, when executed by the
processor, cause the processor to implement at least the
functionality of, at the first computing device (105), receive a
request to unlock the second computing device (120) using biometric
data and, at the first computing device (105), send a biometric
synchronization request to the second computing device (120) to
synchronize biometric data from the first computing device (105) to
the second computing device (120), according to the methods of the
present specification described herein. In the course of executing
code, the processor may receive input from and provide output to a
number of the remaining hardware units.
[0022] The data storage device may store data such as executable
program code that is executed by the processor or other processing
device as well as user-specific biometric data describing the
characteristics of the user as described herein. Further, the data
storage device may specifically store computer code representing a
number of applications that the processor executes to implement at
least the functionality described herein. The data storage device
(102) may include various types of memory modules, including
volatile and nonvolatile memory. For example, the data storage
device (102) of the examples described herein includes Random
Access Memory (RAM), Read Only Memory (ROM), and Hard Disk Drive
(HDD) memory. Many other types of memory may also be utilized, and
the present specification contemplates the use of many varying
type(s) of memory in the data storage device as may suit a
particular application of the principles described herein. In
certain examples, different types of memory in the data storage
device may be used for different data storage needs. For example,
in certain examples the processor may boot from Read Only Memory
(ROM), maintain nonvolatile storage in the Hard Disk Drive (HDD)
memory, and execute program code stored in Random Access Memory
(RAM). Generally, the data storage device (102) may comprise a
computer readable medium, a computer readable storage medium, or a
non-transitory computer readable medium, among others. In the
context of this document, a computer readable storage medium may be
any tangible medium that can contain, or store computer usable
program code for use by or in connection with an instruction
execution system, apparatus, or device. In another example, a
computer readable storage medium may be any non-transitory medium
that can contain, or store a program for use by or in connection
with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device.
[0023] The hardware adapters in the first computing device (105)
and second computing device (120) enable the processor to interface
with various other hardware elements, external and internal to each
of the first computing device (105) and second computing device
(120). For example, the peripheral device adapters may provide an
interface to input/output devices, such as, for example, display
device, a mouse, or a keyboard. The peripheral device adapters may
also provide access to other external devices such as an external
storage device, a number of network devices such as, for example,
servers, switches, and routers, client devices, other types of
computing devices, and combinations thereof.
[0024] At least the first computing device (105) may further
include a number of modules used in the implementation of the
methods described herein. The various modules within the first
computing device (105) may include executable program code that may
be executed separately. In this example, the various modules may be
stored as separate computer program products. In another example,
the various modules within the first computing device (105) may be
combined within a number of computer program products; each
computer program product comprising a number of the modules.
[0025] The first computing device (105) may include a biometric
synchronization module (115) to, when executed by the processor,
synchronize biometric data between the first computing device (105)
that includes at least one biometric data sensor (110) with the
second computing device (120) that does not include any biometric
data sensor (110). The biometric synchronization module (115)
module (110) may receive a request to synchronize the biometric
data with the second computing device (120) in order to allow a
user to access the functions of the second computing device (120).
The first computing device (105) may further include a token
generation module to generate, at least, access tokens to be sent
to the second computing device (120) after a determination that
biometric data has been synchronized between the first computing
device (105) and the second computing device (120).
[0026] During operation of the computing system (100), the first
computing device (105) may determine whether a biometric database
of the first computing device (105) and the second computing device
(120) is shared. If not, the first computing device (105) may send
a request to the second computing device (120) inquiring whether
the second computing device (120) has a biometric database analyzer
consistent with the biometric data sensor (110) of the first
computing device (105). As an example, the first computing device
(105), having a fingerprint sensor, may send a request to the
second computing device (120) inquiring whether the second
computing device (120) has a fingerprint database analyzer that can
analyze fingerprint data. Upon a determination that the second
computing device (120) does not comprise a fingerprint data
analyzer, the process stops and notice is given to the user that
the second computing device (120) cannot analyze the fingerprint
data.
[0027] When it has been determined that the first computing device
(105) and the second computing device (120) share the same
biometric data in their respective biometric databases, a
successful scan of a user's biometric data using the biometric data
sensor (110) of the first computing device (105) will cause an
unlock token to be sent to the second computing device (120). When
the second computing device (120) receives the unlock token, the
second computing device (120) may be unlocked thereby providing
access to the second computing device (120) to the user.
[0028] As a consequence of the operation of the first computing
device (105) as described herein, a computing device not having a
biometric data sensor (110) such as the second computing device
(120) may be unlocked using the hardware devices such as the
biometric data sensors (110) of the first computing device (105).
This alleviates a user from memorizing a password in order to gain
access to the second computing device (120) and instead using the
user's own physical characteristics to access the second computing
device (120). As the user initiates the process as described
herein, the second computing device (120) may maintain the
biometric data received from the first computing device (105) in a
biometric database on the second computing device (120). This
allows a user to consistently send an unlock token to the second
computing device (120) whenever the user attempts to gain access to
the second computing device (120). Other user's biometric data may
also be maintained in the biometric database of the second
computing device (120) so as to allow multiple first computing
devices (105) to provide access to the second computing device
(120). Further, with the use of biometric data, the process used to
access both the first computing device (105) and second computing
device (120) may be relatively more secure because a password is
not used to complete the unlocking process of either the first
computing device (105) and second computing device (120).
[0029] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a computing device (205)
according to an example of the principles described herein. The
computing device (205) may include a biometric sensor (210) similar
to the biometric data sensor (FIG. 1, 110) described above in
connection with FIG. 1. The biometric sensor (210) may detect the
user characteristics and maintain biometric data in a biometric
database as described herein.
[0030] The computing device (205) may further include a token
generation module (215). The token generation module (215) may
generate an unlock token after receipt of an indication at the
computing device (205) that biometric data has been authorized at
the biometric sensor (210). The token may include computer readable
instructions indicating to a receiving computing device that the
user is authorized to access the receiving computing device and
provide such access. In an example, the token provided by the token
generation module (215) may be encrypted providing additional
security in the transaction between the computing device and
receiving computing device.
[0031] FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a method (300) of
synchronizing biometric data according to an example of the
principles described herein. The method (300) may begin with, at a
first computing device, receiving (305) a request to unlock a
second computing device using biometric data. The request may be
initiated by a user of the first computing device (FIG. 1, 105)
when attempting to access a second computing device (FIG. 1,
120).
[0032] After the request has been received (305) by the first
computing device (FIG. 1, 105), the first computing device (FIG. 1,
105) may send (310) a biometric synchronization request to the
second computing device (FIG. 1, 120) to synchronize biometric data
from the first computing device (FIG. 1, 105) to the second
computing device (FIG. 1, 120). Again, the synchronization of the
biometric data between the first and second computing devices (FIG.
1, 105, 120) may either cause the first computing device (FIG. 1,
105) to send biometric data to the second computing device (FIG. 1,
120) or begin an authentication process using the biometric data
sensor (FIG. 1, 110) so as to initiate the sending of an access
token to the second computing device (FIG. 1, 120).
[0033] FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a method (400) of
synchronizing biometric data according to an example of the
principles described herein. The method (400) may begin with the
first computing device (FIG. 1, 105) being placed (405) in a
standby mode. This standby mode may include any mode that places
the first computing device (FIG. 1, 105) in a state of accepting
input from a user after any number of input actions.
[0034] The method (400) may continue with a signal being sent (410)
to unlock the second computing device (FIG. 1, 120). The signal may
be sent (410) to the second computing device (FIG. 1, 120) after
input from a user on the first computing device (FIG. 1, 105)
initiates an unlock process for the second computing device (FIG.
1, 120). Certain graphical user interfaces may be presented to the
user on the first computing device (FIG. 1, 105) in order to cause
the signal to be sent (410) to the second computing device (FIG. 1,
120).
[0035] The method (400) then continues by determining (415) if the
first computing device (FIG. 1, 105) and second computing device
(FIG. 1, 120) share the same biometric database. The biometric
database of the first computing device (FIG. 1, 105) may include
any biometric data received from the biometric data sensors (FIG.
1, 110) of the first computing device (FIG. 1, 105). In an example,
the second computing device (FIG. 1, 120) may not include the same
biometric data or even have access to the same biometric database
as that found in the first computing device (FIG. 1, 105). When
this is the case (Decision No, 415), a determination (420) may be
made as to whether the second computing device (FIG. 1, 120) has
any biometric analyzing capabilities and biometric database data so
that matching of any biometric data may be completed by the second
computing device (FIG. 1, 120). If not, the process may return to
placing the first computing device (FIG. 1, 105) in a standby node
and/or notifying a user, via the graphical user interface of the
first computing device (FIG. 1, 105), that the second computing
device (FIG. 1, 120) cannot be unlocked due to the lack of
authentication. In an example, the second computing device (FIG. 1,
120) may be provided with access to a biometric database and a
biometric data analyzer may be installed on the second computing
device (FIG. 1, 120) in order to allow access to the second
computing device (FIG. 1, 120) in a later process.
[0036] When it has been determined (Decision YES, 420) that the
second computing device (FIG. 1, 120) maintains a biometric
database and can analyze that biometric data sent to it from the
first computing device (FIG. 1, 105), it is then determined (425)
if a biometric scan using the biometric data sensors (FIG. 1, 110)
on the first computing device (FIG. 1, 105) are successful. If not
(Determination No, 425), the process continues with the first
computing device (FIG. 1, 105) notifying the user of an
unsuccessful biometric scan and places (405) the first computing
device (FIG. 1, 105) in a standby mode. If it has been determined
(Determination YES, 425) that the biometric scan was successful, it
is then determined (425) whether the biometric pattern obtained by
the biometric data sensors (FIG. 1, 110) of the first computing
device (FIG. 1, 105) have been successfully transferred to the
second computing device (FIG. 1, 120). If not, (Determination No,
430), the process continues with the first computing device (FIG.
1, 105) notifying the user of an unsuccessful biometric scan and
places (405) the first computing device (FIG. 1, 105) in a standby
mode.
[0037] If it is determined (425) that the biometric pattern
obtained by the biometric data sensors (FIG. 1, 110) of the first
computing device (FIG. 1, 105) have been successfully transferred
to the second computing device (FIG. 1, 120), the second computing
device (FIG. 1, 120) then determines (435) whether the biometric
patterns are authentic. If it is determined (Determination No, 435)
that the biometric patterns received by the first computing device
(FIG. 1, 105) are not authentic, the second computing device (FIG.
1, 120) is maintained in a standby mode and access to the second
computing device (FIG. 1, 120) is not granted. However, if it is
determined (Determination No, 435) that the biometric patterns
received by the first computing device (FIG. 1, 105) are authentic,
the second computing device (FIG. 1, 120) is unlocked (460).
[0038] If it has been determined (Determination YES, 415) that the
first computing device (FIG. 1, 105) and second computing device
(FIG. 1, 120) share the same biometric database, the first
computing device (FIG. 1, 105) may receive (440) biometric
authentication from the biometric data sensors (FIG. 1, 110) on the
first computing device (FIG. 1, 105), make a determination
(Determination YES. 445) that the biometric scan was successful and
authenticated (Determination YES, 450) and then send (455) an
unlock token to the second computing device (FIG. 1, 120)
instructing the second computing device (FIG. 1, 120) to be
unlocked (460). With this method (400) a user may unlock the second
computing device (FIG. 1, 120) using the biometric data sensors
(FIG. 1, 110) of the first computing device (FIG. 1, 105) even
where the second computing device (FIG. 1, 120) does not include
biometric data sensors (FIG. 1, 110) of its own. In an example,
even where the second computing device (FIG. 1, 120) includes its
own biometric data sensors (FIG. 1, 110), the first computing
device (FIG. 1, 105) may implement this method (400) in order to
unlock the second computing device (FIG. 1, 120). Still further, in
an example where the second computing device (FIG. 1, 120) includes
biometric data sensors (FIG. 1, 110), the second computing device
(FIG. 1, 120) may be used to unlock the first computing device
(FIG. 1, 105) per the method (400) described herein.
[0039] Aspects of the present system and method are described
herein with reference to flowchart illustrations and/or block
diagrams of methods, apparatus (systems) and computer program
products according to examples of the principles described herein.
Each block of the flowchart illustrations and block diagrams, and
combinations of blocks in the flowchart illustrations and block
diagrams, may be implemented by computer usable program code. The
computer usable program code may be provided to a processor of a
general purpose computer, special purpose computer, the first
computing device (FIG. 1, 105), second computing device (FIG. 1,
120), or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce a
machine, such that the computer usable program code, when executed
via, for example, the processor of either the first computing
device (FIG. 1, 105), second computing device (FIG. 1, 120), or
other programmable data processing apparatus, implement the
functions or acts specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram
block or blocks. In one example, the computer usable program code
may be embodied within a computer readable storage medium; the
computer readable storage medium being part of the computer program
product. In one example, the computer readable storage medium is a
non-transitory computer readable medium.
[0040] Although the system and methods describe the unlocking of
the second computing device (FIG. 1, 120) using the biometric data
sensors (FIG. 1, 110) of the first computing device (FIG. 1, 105),
other functions of the second computing device (FIG. 1, 120) may be
triggered as well. Some examples of these functions of the second
computing device (FIG. 1, 120) that may be accessed via the methods
described herein may include a data backup process, a voice command
function, a camera function, an email function, among others. As an
example, the second computing device (FIG. 1, 120) may be an
Internet of Things (IoT)-type device that servers a special
function such as cooking, heating, cooling, light augmentation in a
home, security, among others. Thus, the functionality of these
IoT-type devices may be accessed using the biometric data sensors
(FIG. 1, 110) of the first computing device (FIG. 1, 105) as
described herein.
[0041] The specification and figures describe a system and method
to be used in order to unlock a second computing device using the
biometric data sensors of a first computing device. Authentication
of any biometric data or patterns obtained via the biometric data
sensors of the first computing device may be accomplished on either
the first computing device or second computing device. A
determination as to which of the first or second computing devices
completes the biometric data authentication process may depend on
whether biometric data is maintained on the second computing device
and whether the second computing device includes biometric data
analyzing software. Where the first computing device authenticates
biometric data obtained from a biometric data sensor, a token may
be sent to the second computing device which then authenticates the
token and unlocks the second computing device. Specific token
reception software presented in the form of computer usable program
code may be maintained on the second computing device so as be able
to receive the token and provide access to the second computing
device as described herein.
[0042] This system and method effectively extends the capabilities
of those computing devices that do not include biometric data
sensors. The capabilities are extended by allowing for the
biometric data sensors of another computing device to achieve
relatively higher security. Further, user experience may be
achieved if and when the user of the second computing device
forgets unlocking passwords to the second computing device.
[0043] The preceding description has been presented to illustrate
and describe examples of the principles described. This description
is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit these principles to
any precise form disclosed. Many modifications and variations are
possible in light of the above teaching.
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